"Arshaad Norwood’s painting of the crucified Christ merges an awareness of the historical parallels converging at the time of His death with a contemporary appeal to a hip-hop generation. Despite dark blood stains from wounds created by the crown of thorns, the baby Jesus reveals a resigned, indeed almost joyous countenance, His eyes directed upward. An astrological clock on Christ’s chest reminds the viewer that the time of the crucifixion, now Easter for Christians, is also the spring equinox, designating in the pagan traditions the end of winter and the renewal of the earth. This same season furthermore, is Passover, the feast celebrating the release of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity. Representing the evil which caused Christ’s death are shadowing figures in the background." -Lovick P. Corn Professor of Art History Dr. Dorothy Joiner
